screeching

1 of 2

adjective

screech·​ing ˈskrē-chiŋ How to pronounce screeching (audio)
Synonyms of screechingnext
: abrupt, sudden
her career came to a screeching halt

screeching

2 of 2

present participle of screech entry 2

Synonyms of screeching

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Adjective

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Examples of screeching in a Sentence

Adjective the screeching blast of the factory whistle hurt my ears
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Before the recent barn owl sightings, Williams and her husband heard periodic screeching noises outside going back to early September. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 Screeching was heard by residents Before the recent barn owl sightings, Williams and her husband heard periodic screeching noises outside going back to early September. — Joseph B. Frederick, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026 But on the opposite sideline on Saturday night, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin was left with more questions than answers as the honeymoon phase in Baton Rouge likely came to a screeching halt. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The government that came soon after brought it all to a screeching, heavily consequential halt. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for screeching

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of screeching was in 1904

Phrases Containing screeching

Rhymes for screeching

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Browse Nearby Words

screecher
screeching
screeching/crashing halt
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Cite this Entry

“Screeching.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screeching. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

screeching

adjective
screech·​ing ˈskrē-chiŋ How to pronounce screeching (audio)
: sudden sense 1a
her career came to a screeching halt
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